Littering has long been a problem in many societies, leading to a wide range of health and environmental issues. But in this age of increased awareness of climate change and its effects, it is worth examining how littering, and more broadly, waste disposal, affects global warming and the environment more generally. Specifically, does littering play an integral part in global warming and does the rise in littering lead to more environmental damage?
The short answer, is yes, littering has a devastating impact on the environment, and thus contributes to global warming. Most forms of litter contain materials or chemicals that can endanger wildlife when they remain in their environment or enter the ocean. Once litters like single-use plastics and aluminum cans break down, they release toxins and other harmful contaminants into the environment, which lead to an increase in temperatures and more extreme weather. Additionally, when these contaminants enter the atmosphere, they have the capability to trap additional heat, contributing further to global warming. Furthermore, decomposing waste releases methane, an especially harmful greenhouse gas mixture, exacerbating global warming.
Moreover, research has shown that littering worldwide has increased significantly in recent years. According to a 2016 study entitled ‘Marine Litter: Global Lessons and Local Legacy’ published by the Royal Society of Biology, more than 5 million metric tons of litter enter the world’s oceans each year, with the largest proportion of this being plastic. This mismanaged waste may stick around in the environment for centuries, as it is estimated that it can take up to 400 years for some plastics to decompose. The most commonly littered item, cigarette butts, can take 12 years to decompose.
Furthermore, the presence of large amounts of litter may encourage additional waste to be discarded without proper management. The litter forms the first layers in landfills and can leach contaminants into the soil, potentially leading to health issues and the contamination of drinking water. Litter in waterways can create dams, which can lead to flooding and disrupt the natural water flow. These disruptions may cause problems for ecology and human life, and further contribute to global warming.
On the other hand, there are measures that can be adopted to minimize the impact of littering on global warming. For example, more effective litter collection systems and waste management practices can reduce the number of pollutants entering the environment. Furthermore, improved education on the effects of littering, including those related to global warming, can create more environmentally-conscious citizens. Moreover, introducing various incentives, such as taxes on single-use plastic items, can discourage citizens from engaging in littering in the first place.
Ultimately, though littering has a negative impact on global warming and the environment, collective action can curtail these effects. With effective legislation, an increase in waste management practices and improved education, this direct relationship between littering and global warming can be combatted and our planet can be safeguarded from further destruction.
